Economic Development Officer (Temp. Approx. 2 years)

People, Place, Prosperity

Working within our Strategic Plan, Cambridge Connected, and committing to our values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusiveness and Service, the successful candidate will work together to help the City of Cambridge achieve our vision: A place for people to prosper – alive with opportunity.

Job Profile

Reporting to the Manager of Economic Development, the Economic Development Officer supports the City's economic growth by fostering business attraction, retention, expansion, and entrepreneurship opportunities. The position works collaboratively with small businesses, aspiring business, entrepreneurs, community partners, and internal stakeholders to implement economic development initiatives, support investment opportunities, and promote a business-friendly environment.

What you will be doing

1. Provides business consulting, reviews business plans and makes recommendations on improving business planning through market research resources and techniques. Assists clients with Provincial online business registrations and renewals via the Ontario Business Registry
2. Develops, promotes and delivers business related seminars, workshops, programs, and administers special projects related to the promotion of the Small Business Centre. (i.e. the Summer Company program in partnership with the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre)
3. Creates timely and accurate printed and digital materials for clients; compiles and analyzes statistical information; creates reports; and responds to public inquiries via phone, email, salesforce & walk ins to City Hall.
4. Implements the Economic Development Action Plan, with a focus on programs related to the small business portfolio.
5. Creates programming, initiatives and resources to assist business startups and entrepreneurs within the City’s sectors of focus.
6. Work to establish a business friendly environment within the City that supports the long-term sustainability and expansion potential for local businesses.
7. Seek opportunities to support workforce attraction and retention for higher availability of skilled labour
8. Provides liaison between local businesses, community organizations, schools, levels of governments and clients for the purpose of promoting the City's services and programs, client success and small business development.
9. Represents and promotes the Small Business Centre, small business development and Economic Development Division in the community , as well as various tradeshows throughout the year.
10. Gives formal and informal presentations, including speaking at City Council meetings, committee meetings, public consultations, and stakeholder engagement sessions.
11. Supports Economic Development initiatives through research, analysis, report writing, promotion,marketing and special projects.
12. Maintains relevant Small Business and Economic Development information and statistics in publications, website, social media etc.
13. Provides assistance, guidance and facilitates Economic Development programs & special projects.
14. Identifies areas for continuous improvement and solutions within the Economic Development Division and fulfills program related responsibilities when required.
15. Undertakes other duties as assigned from the Manager of Economic Development.
16. Acts as back up to the Senior Economic Development Officers when necessary.

Education

A Degree in Economic Development; Business Administration; Marketing; Entrepreneurship; Planning, or a combination of equivalent qualifications and experience.

Experience and Knowledge

2-4 years’ experience running a small business or providing small business consulting. Experience in creating and presenting seminars. Excellent customer service skills are also required.

Knowledge of small business practices, business planning, market research, marketing and financial management; experience in providing business plan development, marketing and business start-up/expansion consultation. Experience in delivering business related seminars, coordinating/promoting programs, performing outreach activities, attending tradeshows and responding to public inquiries.

We will ask you for these items if you are hired

Valid G driver's license.

Worker Health and Safety Awareness Training Certificate from the Ministry of Labour

Proof of your current and valid certificate(s) and/or educational qualifications.

Your compensation

The annual salary range for this non-union position is $76,444 to $93,255 (Band Level 3). We offer a comprehensive benefit package and are an Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) employer.

Hours of work

Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (35 hours per week)

Advertisement expiration date

Interested candidates should apply at www.cambridge.ca/careers. This posting will close on November 18, 2026.

Accommodation needs and protection of privacy

The City of Cambridge recognizes and appreciates diversity and inclusion enhances our public value commitment.

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience and encourage all qualified people to apply, including and especially people from equity-deserving groups. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with honour and respect toward their individual dimensions of diversity.

We strive to remove barriers that may prevent qualified applicants from fully participating in the recruitment and selection process. Accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation is available throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Contact [email protected] to make your needs known in advance.

For more information on our Employment Equity, please read our full policy.

Personal information collected in relation to the recruitment process is collected under the authority outlined in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and used solely to determine eligibility for employment with the City of Cambridge only.